Creamy Garlic Shrimp with Rice rich, buttery, and full of flavor

If you’re a fan of shrimp and crave a dish that’s indulgent yet simple to make, Creamy Garlic Shrimp with Rice is about to become your new favorite dinner. Imagine succulent shrimp seared to perfection, nestled in a rich, buttery garlic cream sauce, and served over fluffy, fragrant rice. Each bite delivers a balance of savory, buttery, and slightly tangy flavors, making this dish irresistible.

Perfect for a weeknight dinner, a cozy weekend treat, or even entertaining guests, this recipe proves that luxurious flavors don’t need to be complicated. From start to finish, it’s a quick, satisfying meal that makes your kitchen smell like a gourmet restaurant.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy schedules.
• Creamy and Rich: The garlic cream sauce is velvety, cheesy, and indulgent.
• Flavor-Packed Shrimp: Paprika, garlic, and optional chili flakes give shrimp a perfect savory kick.
• Family-Friendly: Mild yet flavorful, this recipe works for kids and adults alike.
• Customizable: Swap the rice for pasta or vegetables, adjust spice levels, or use different cheeses.
• Meal-Prep Friendly: Make extra rice and shrimp for easy lunches during the week.

Ingredients Breakdown

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this creamy garlic shrimp with rice. Exact measurements ensure consistent results.

For the Shrimp

• 500g (1 lb) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp butter
• Salt & black pepper, to taste
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp chili flakes (optional, for heat)

For the Cream Sauce

• 1 cup heavy cream (or cooking cream)
• ½ cup chicken broth (or seafood stock)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp flour (optional, for thickening)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley

For Serving

• 2 cups cooked jasmine or basmati rice

Servings: 4 | Prep & Cook Time: ~30 minutes

Tools & Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Small whisk (if using flour to thicken)
• Cutting board and sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spoon or spatula for stirring
• Pot for cooking rice

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps carefully to ensure perfectly cooked shrimp and a creamy, flavorful sauce.

1. Cook the Rice

Cook rice according to package directions. Once done, fluff it with a fork and keep warm while preparing the shrimp. Using fluffy jasmine or basmati rice gives a fragrant base that complements the creamy sauce beautifully.

2. Sear the Shrimp

In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 1 tbsp butter over medium-high heat.

Add the shrimp and season with salt, black pepper, paprika, and chili flakes. Sear for 1–2 minutes per side until shrimp turn pink and slightly golden. Remove shrimp from the pan and set aside. This step locks in flavor and ensures shrimp remain tender.

3. Make the Cream Sauce

In the same skillet, melt 1 tbsp butter and sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic—it should smell sweet and aromatic.

(Optional) Whisk in 1 tbsp flour to help thicken the sauce. This is optional but recommended if you prefer a slightly thicker sauce.

Add chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring well. Bring to a gentle simmer for 2–3 minutes, letting the liquids blend into a creamy base.

4. Finish the Sauce

Stir in Parmesan cheese until fully melted and smooth. Add lemon juice and chopped parsley, adjusting seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. The lemon adds brightness that balances the richness of the cream and cheese.

5. Combine Shrimp and Sauce

Return the seared shrimp to the skillet and toss gently in the sauce. Cook for another 1–2 minutes until shrimp are fully heated and coated in the creamy garlic sauce.

6. Serve

Spoon the creamy garlic shrimp over warm jasmine or basmati rice. Garnish with extra parsley or a squeeze of fresh lemon if desired. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.

Tips & Variations

• Add Vegetables: Sautéed spinach, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers can be stirred in for extra color and nutrition.
• Make it Spicy: Increase chili flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
• Low-Carb Option: Serve over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice.
• Extra Creamy: Add a tablespoon of cream cheese to the sauce for ultra-rich texture.
• Cheese Variations: Swap Parmesan for Pecorino Romano or a mix of cheeses for a different flavor profile.

Flavor Profile

This dish is rich, buttery, and garlicky, with tender shrimp that carry a hint of smoky paprika and optional spice from chili flakes. The cream sauce is velvety, slightly tangy from lemon, and perfectly balanced with the nutty, salty Parmesan.

Texture Notes:

• Shrimp: tender and succulent
• Sauce: smooth and creamy
• Rice: light, fluffy, and fragrant

Serving Suggestions: Serve with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables to round out the meal. Crusty bread is perfect for dipping into the creamy sauce.

Nutritional Overview

Estimated per serving:

• Calories: ~550 kcal
• Protein: 35g
• Fat: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 25g

Dietary Considerations:

• Gluten-free if using naturally gluten-free flour or skipping thickening flour
• Nut-free
• Contains dairy; can substitute with vegan cream and cheese for a dairy-free version

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

• Shrimp: Can be peeled and deveined ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to a day.
• Sauce: Cream sauce can be prepared in advance, then gently reheated with the shrimp.
• Rice: Cook rice in advance and reheat with a splash of water to maintain fluffiness.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, but thaw completely and pat dry before cooking to prevent wateriness in the sauce.

2. Can this be made with other seafood?
Absolutely. Scallops, lobster, or chunks of white fish can work beautifully.

3. How can I thicken the sauce without flour?
Reduce the cream over medium-low heat for a few extra minutes, or add a little cream cheese.

4. Can I make this spicy?
Yes! Increase chili flakes or add cayenne pepper to taste.

5. Can I use another type of rice?
Yes, jasmine or basmati is ideal, but brown rice or wild rice works too, adjusting cook times accordingly.

Cooking Timeline (at a Glance)

Step	Time
Cook rice	15–20 min
Sear shrimp	4–5 min
Make cream sauce	5 min
Combine shrimp & sauce	2–3 min
Total	~30 min

Serving Suggestions

• Plate shrimp and sauce over a mound of warm rice.
• Garnish with fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon.
• Pair with sautéed greens, roasted veggies, or a crisp side salad.

Recipe Variations

1. Spicy Cajun Shrimp: Add 1 tsp Cajun seasoning to the shrimp before searing.
2. Veggie Boost: Add peas, asparagus, or spinach to the sauce.
3. Cheesy Twist: Add shredded mozzarella or fontina to the sauce for extra richness.
4. Lemon Herb Version: Use lemon zest and fresh thyme instead of parsley for a bright flavor.

Ingredient Spotlight

Shrimp

• Choose large, fresh shrimp for maximum flavor and texture.
• Store in the fridge and use within a day for best results.
• Ensure shrimp are peeled and deveined to make cooking and eating easier.

Garlic

• Fresh garlic provides intense, aromatic flavor. Avoid pre-minced for best taste.
• Store bulbs in a cool, dark place.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Pat shrimp dry before searing to achieve a better crust.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking shrimp; cook in batches if needed.
• Stir the sauce frequently when adding cheese to ensure a smooth, creamy texture.
• For a restaurant-style finish, add a squeeze of lemon just before serving.

Storage & Freezing Guide

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Freezing: Shrimp is best eaten fresh; sauce can be frozen without shrimp for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Gently warm sauce and shrimp on the stovetop; add a splash of cream to revive texture.

Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	550 kcal
Protein	35 g
Carbs	25 g
Fat	35 g
Fiber	1 g
Sodium	700 mg

Dietary Notes: Gluten-free, nut-free, contains dairy.

Expanded Conclusion

Creamy Garlic Shrimp with Rice is the perfect balance of indulgent and easy-to-make. The shrimp is tender, the sauce is luxuriously rich, and the rice provides a comforting base to soak up every drop. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner, a cozy weekend treat, or an elegant dish to impress guests, this recipe delivers.

With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can create a meal that tastes like it came straight from a restaurant. Add fresh parsley, a squeeze of lemon, and enjoy every garlicky, buttery, creamy bite. This dish will quickly become a staple in your recipe rotation.

Prep Time: 10 min | Cook Time: 20 min | Servings: 4 | Calories: ~550 per serving

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